Rose Quartz
Image: Szilas (CC0)
Mineral NameRose Quartz
Chemical FormulaSiO2
Mohs Hardness7
Crystal Systemtrigonal
Lustervitreous
Streak Colorwhite
Cleavagenone
Fractureconchoidal
Specific Gravity2.65
Colorspink, rose-red
Transparencytranslucent
Type LocalityZwiesel, Bavaria, Germany
Mineral GroupSilicates
Usesjewelry, ornamental stone, collector
Associated Mineralsfeldspar, mica, beryl, tourmaline
Raritycommon
Description
A massive, translucent variety of quartz, typically displaying a delicate pink to rose-red color, often with a milky or cloudy appearance.
Geological Context
Rose quartz typically forms in pegmatites and hydrothermal veins, often at high temperatures. Its pink color is attributed to microscopic inclusions of dumortierite or possibly irradiation-induced color centers involving aluminum and phosphorus.
